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I want to add a bookmatched backplate (Amazon RW) on my current build, and I am wondering if I need to be concerned about the glue joint failing when I bend the area to fit the volute. From searching the forum I see that folks have done this successfully, so maybe this isn't a problem. Is one type of glue preferable or less likely to give than others?

Any advice will be appreciated.

John

Good question! I just finished a guitar with a book matched backplate. It did seperate a little by the time I got it in place and glued on. I had to run CA in it to keep it from getting worse. It came out ok but you can still see it if you are looking.

I used titebond 1 on it and thined the wood to about 1/32" Guess there was not enough glue surface left. I also glued it to the back of the head with titebond. I'm thinking the moisture and the thinness of it caused the seperation.

If I do it again I think I'll glue the veneer to a solid piece of white or black veneer first and then to the headstock. I think maybe I'll try epoxy or maybe poly glue.

Experimentation may be in order.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Titebond 3 can hold up to heat and bending pretty well. I wouldn't build a whole guitar out of the stuff but for what your planning I think it would work okay. CA glue can take some heat too....Mike

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Another day, another dollar.

I always use CA for that particular joint too.

I have done this a couple of times with cocobolo. My headplates are generally .080ish. I use titebond 1 for the joint on the headplate and for joining it to the headstock. I have had one plate separate slightly during bending and the other didn't. I think supporting the bend with spring steel is a key. CA may work fine for darker woods. But in both of my cases, there was sapwood involved and the CA would have been too visible. If the titebond joint separates, glue in back together. And do as Todd says, use a caul when clamping.

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